temperate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective (of weather or climate) free from extremes; mild; or characteristic of such weather or climate
    • a temperate region
    • the temperate zones
    • temperate plants
  2. adjective not extreme in behavior
    • temperate in his habits
    • a temperate response to an insult
    • temperate in his eating and drinking
  3. adjective satellite not extreme
    moderate.
    • a moderate penalty
    • temperate in his response to criticism

WordNet

Tem"per*ate adjective
Etymology
L. temperatus, p.p. of temperare. See Temper, v. t.
Definitions
  1. Moderate; not excessive; as, temperate heat; a temperate climate.
  2. Not marked with passion; not violent; cool; calm; as, temperate language.
    She is not hot, but temperate as the morn. Shak.
    That sober freedom out of which there springs Our loyal passion for our temperate kings. Tennyson.
  3. Moderate in the indulgence of the natural appetites or passions; as, temperate in eating and drinking.
    Be sober and temperate, and you will be healthy. Franklin.
  4. Proceeding from temperance. R.
    The temperate sleeps, and spirits light as air. Pope.
    Syn. -- Abstemious; sober; calm; cool; sedate.
Tem"per*ate transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To render temperate; to moderate; to soften; to temper. Obs.
    It inflames temperance, and temperates wrath. Marston.

Webster 1913